It is the policy of the city to preserve the natural forest and woodland areas in the city, and with respect to specific site development to retain substantial tree stands which will be incorporated into the site. Credit for the retention of existing trees which are of desirable and acceptable minimum size, species and location may be given by the building inspector to satisfy other requirements of this chapter. In addition:
A. Healthy deciduous shade trees five inches (5") or larger in caliper and healthy coniferous trees ten feet (10') or greater in height shall be preserved, unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the building inspector that they will unduly restrict development of the site.
B. All trees destroyed during the development process which were not identified for destruction in the approved landscape plan shall be replaced in accordance with the following schedule:
Tree Type | Size Of Tree Destroyed | Size Of Replacement Tree(s) |
Deciduous | 5 to 7 inch diameter (caliper) tree | One 5- to 7-inch diameter (caliper) or two 21/2- to 4-inch diameter (caliper) trees |
8 to 11 inch diameter (caliper) tree | Three 5- to 7-inch diameter (caliper) trees or nine 21/2- to 4-inch diameter (caliper) trees | |
12 inch diameter (caliper) or larger tree | Six 5- to 7-inch diameter (caliper) trees or twelve 21/2- to 4-inch diameter (caliper) trees | |
Conifers | 10 foot or taller tree | One 10-foot or taller tree or three 6- to 10-foot trees or six 4- to 6-foot trees |
C. Structures and other amenities shall be located in such a manner that the optimum number of existing trees will be preserved.
D. Forestation, reforestation and landscaping shall utilize a variety of tree species and species currently under disease epidemic shall be limited in use. Species planted shall be hardy under local conditions and compatible with the local landscape. (1975 Code Ch. 16 § XXV)